Meanwhile Tucker was to push straight along the southern bank of the river, though we may surmise that his instructions were, in case of resistance, not to push his attack home.

Colvile's 9th Division, with part of the naval brigade, were north of the river, the latter to shell the drifts in case the Boers tried to cross, and the infantry to execute a turning movement which would correspond with that of the cavalry on the other flank.
The plan of action was based, however, upon one supposition which proved to be fallacious.

It was that after having prepared so elaborate a position the enemy would stop at least a little time to defend it.
Nothing of the sort occurred, however, and on the instant that they realised that the cavalry was on their flank they made off.

The infantry did not fire a shot.
The result of this very decisive flight was to derange all calculations entirely.

The cavalry was not yet in its place when the Boer army streamed off between the kopjes.